Hyperlipidemia is a well-recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which, in turn, acts as a contributory factor in periodontitis development. Periodontitis has been associated with benign tumors and cancers and withseveral disorders, including hyperlipidemia. Correspondingly, periodontal treatment may exert a positive effect on lipid metabolism, although opposite evidence has also been reported. As a counterpart, the therapy for hyperlipidemia, conventionally based on statins, has been proposed to positively affect periodontal conditions, mainly due to statin pleiotropic effects, reducing periodontal inflammation and promoting osseointegration. Therefore, the present systematic review aimed to evaluate, in subjects with untreated periodontitis and peri-implant disease (Population), the effect of routine systemically administered statins (Intervention), compared to non-statin use (Comparison), on periodontal parameters around natural teeth and implants (Outcome). Discordant results were found in periodontal parameters, and the current lack of such data related to peri-implant tissues and to alveolar bone loss highlights the need for further studies on the topic, potentially paving the way for a more comprehensive approach to periodontitis and peri-implantitis management. Indeed, the validation of the beneficial effect provided by systemically delivered statins on periodontal and peri-implant tissues may direct recall scheduling, predict response to therapy and, therefore, guide treatment strategies of periodontal and peri-implant treatments in statin users.

Since 1966 the term “tribology” has integrated different topics like friction, lubrication and wear. After a few years, interest in this type of phenomena rapidly spread out around the world of biology and medicine, determining a new research area defined as biotribology. This commentary is conceived within this framework with the aim of underlining the close link between tribology and dentistry regarding both physiological and restorative issues. The contact between teeth requires investigation into their tribological behavior focusing on the enamel wear process against natural teeth and/or artificial teeth, allowing us to obtain useful information on the tribological behavior of restorative materials. Thus, tested materials may be natural teeth, restorative materials (metal alloys, ceramics, composites) or both. This work aims to make a contribution to underlining the need for greater standardization of tribological experimental procedures as well as to obtaining more homogeneous and indicative results on the tested tribo systems.

Since non-adherence to antibiotic therapy can cause several problems, including antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and treatment failures, the present study evaluated adherence to oral antibiotic therapy and AMR awareness among consecutively enrolled dental patients. Data concerning age, gender, socioeconomic status, education level, cohabitation, and general health were retrieved from medical records. AMR awareness was investigated through direct questions and adherence to antibiotic treatment was assessed through a modified Italian version of the Morisky medical scale-8 items. Participants’ characteristics were analyzed in relation to treatment adherence and AMR, using a Χ² independence test (significance level of α <0.1). Dental patients generally showed a low (51.82%) adherence to oral antibiotic therapy, and medium and high adherence was reported only by 29.37% and 18.81% of participants. Treatment adherence was similar in relation to participants’ gender and age but significantly lower in subjects with only secondary school graduation and higher in participants with higher education levels. Non-cohabitants were significantly more adherent than cohabitants. AMR awareness was declared by 42.15% of males and 38.70% of females: 56.52% of dental patients aware of AMR were 18–38 years old, 35.20% were 39–59 years old, and 26.95% were aged between 60 and 80. Further studies are needed to develop adequate strategies, expanding dental patients’ knowledge of AMR, thus optimizing the benefits and reducing the risks of antibiotic administration in dental patients.